Larry the Ranch Dog — Carol Campbell

The one thing Larry the dog wants most in the world is to have a real home and belong to someone who loves him. But that is just a dream. Larry spends his days wandering around, an outsider, always looking for food to survive. Then he meets Blake, a nice man who gives him water and snacks, and lets him spend nights inside the gate of a grape farm, safe from the mean coyotes that live too close for comfort. Larry decides he'd better make himself useful around the place so Blake will let him stay! He chases squirrels through the vineyard and stays on his toes keeping an eye on things around the ranch. But then one day Larry gets lost and can't find his way back. It is so dark, and the coyotes are getting closer and closer! Young readers of this heartwarming and colorfully illustrated true story are sure to cheer for Larry to find his forever home. Will it be with the nice man, Blake? A perfect book for parents, teachers and caregivers to read with kids ages 6-9 and talk about what it means to belong.